Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-09-29
RETROSPECTIVE.
The Constitution Makers and Their nd

The Constitution Makers and Their Task.
AS Independence Hall was the birthplace OF
the liberties OF the colonies, so also was IL the
birth-chamber OF the nationality Of the con-
federated States For IL was here, In the sum-
mer OF 1857, that tho convention met 90 devise
better form OF government than the confed-
Grafton which was little more than a thread
holding together the conflicting interests Of
the different sections. The convention met in
May, with delegates representing all the states
except New Hampshire and Rhode Island
George Washington, one OF tho delegates rep
resenting Virginia, was chosen President.
IL was wonderful bcdy Of men. chosen TO
grapple with questions which had never been
solved, indeed, never before been confronted
by statesmen. Happily they were the intel
lectual ar1stocracy Of the democratic colonies
with character and mental qualities suited to
tneir TASK. Among them were Hamilton, by
right the father OF the Constitution, a man pre-
eminently statesman, broad minded phi
losopher, and practical, high-minded gentle
man. Franklin, than whom mono was more
experienced in the affairs Of state, Washing.
ton, Madison, Gouverneur Morris. Rufus King,
Robert Morris, Pinckney, and Randolph.
Active work was begun by the convention on
May a. but little progress was made for some
time. The convention WAS from the start
pelplexed by doubts. Says historian Of tho
-rhe trainers of tho Constitution assembled
for their work amidst difficulties and embar-
easements OF an extraordinary nature. No gen.
eral concert OF opinion had taken place as to
what was possible to be done. Whether IL were
wise to hold a convention; whether It were
even legal TO hold it. and whether, il held it
would be likely to result in anything useful TO
the country, were points upon which the most
opposite opinions prevailed in every State OF
the Union"
The convention had no precedents to guide
its action the diversity of opinions and inter-
ests OF the colonies represented by the dele
gates made it seem probable that no agree
ment could be reached and at last a final
adjournment was proposed. DIR Franklin, then
in his SD year, arose, and, addressing the
President, said: How has 1t happened,
sir, that while cropping long In the
dark, divided in our opinions, and now
ready to separate without accomplish
ing the great objects OF our meeting, we
have hitherto not once thought OF applying to
the Father of Light to illuminate our under
standings? In the beginning OF the contest with
Great Britain, when we were sensible of dan
ger, we had daily prayers in this room for d.
vine protection. Our prayers. sir, were heard
and graciously answered"
The venerable philosopher then moved that
the daily sessions of the convantion he nnanad
have prevailed. hnal adjournment was not
taken, however, and the convention pursued its
work In September all the provisions OF the
proposed constitution were referred to q COM
mittee for revision. This work was completed
ON Sept. 12 and then ratified by the convention.
Copies were sent to the several States for ratif-
cation, and in the spring of 1889 the new repub-
lie was accomplished fact.